Purpose
With specific reference to work placements, to establish the evidence of benefit of electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) to student learning and to identify the attitudes to e-portfolios from a range of stakeholders.
Methodology
Mixed: literature review, survey, interviews, focus group and practice session .
Findings
There are gaps in the literature on the sources and nature of learning from placement. There are potential benefits of e-portfolios but little robust evidence. Placement staff are divided in their views on the advantages of e-portfolios and students are unsure of their added value. Most placement units are not using e-portfolio packages and a few are using virtual learning environments. Most are using basic word processing packages to develop portfolios.
Practical implications
Support for reflective practice is central to student learning but e-portfolio products can support learning. If placement units decide to use an e-portfolio they should make their choice based on the scope for institutional support for the product.
Originality/value
This is the first study that collected data from placement units concerning e-portfolios.
Categorisation:
Research paper